Internet Protocol Hierarchy & Cybersecurity Threats for Computer Networks

Internet

Designed using a layered architecture.

Physical Layer

Handles the physical wires and 'to/from' addresses.

Computing Device

Any machine that can run a program (Smart fridge, sensor, laptop).

Path

The sequence of directly connected computing devices that begins at the sender and ends at the receiver.

Routing

The process of finding a path. It is not predetermined.

Redundancy

Having multiple paths between two devices. If we have n paths, the system is Fault Tolerant.

IP (Internet Protocol)

The fundamental addressing system.

IPv4

Uses 32 bits (2^32 addresses).

IPv6

Uses 128 bits (2^128 addresses).

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

Breaks data into packets, numbers the packets, reassembles them at the end, and sends an Acknowledgement (ACK) back to the sender.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

Sends packets without checking for errors or order. It is 'Best Effort' delivery.

HTTP/HTTPS

The protocol for the World Wide Web. HTTPS uses TLS/SSL to encrypt the connection.

Cybersecurity

The protection of computer systems and networks.

Malware

Any software intended to damage or disable computers.

Virus

A malicious program that requires human action to spread.

Worm

Similar to a virus, but it self-replicates and spreads across networks automatically.

Trojan Horse

A program that looks useful but hides a malicious payload inside.

Ransomware

Encrypts a user's files and demands payment to unlock them.

Spyware

Secretly monitors user activity.

Phishing

Using social engineering to trick people into giving up PII.

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service)

An attacker uses a Botnet to flood a server with requests until it crashes.

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM)

An attacker intercepts communication between two parties to steal data.

Symmetric Encryption

One secret key for both encryption and decryption.

Asymmetric (Public Key) Encryption

Two keys (Public and Private) used for secure communication.

Certificate Authority (CA)

Organizations that issue Digital Certificates to prove website authenticity.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Requiring two or more pieces of evidence to log in.

Digital Divide

The gap in access to tech due to various factors.

Net Neutrality

The principle that ISPs must treat all data equally.

Copyright

Ownership of a creative work.

Creative Commons

A license that lets you share your work with specific rules.

Open Source

Software where the source code is public.

Open Access

Making research/journals free to the public.

Bit Rate

The speed at which a system can transmit bits.

Metadata

Data about data.

Algorithmic Bias

When a program creates unfair outcomes.